Q. What types of plastic can I put in the black box?
All plastic bottles can go in the box, but not plastic containers. There are many different types of plastic. Plastic bottles are made from a different plastic to containers like margarine tubs. When the bottles are sent for recycling they are melted down to make new products. The different types of plastic all melt at different temperatures. At the moment we can only take plastic bottles due to the recycling process.
There are many reasons as to why your box may not have been emptied:
If none of the above apply and your box has still not been emptied, please ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644. Remember, the recycling crews work to 5:00pm each day and your box may not be collected at the same time every week. If your box is not full, maybe you could wait until your next collection date.
Q. Where should the box be put on collection day?
It is important that you place your black box just inside your entrance gate or driveway by 7.30am. The box must be visible from the road in order for it to be collected. If your front door opens straight onto the pavement, just place the box to the side of your door.
Q. The lid keeps blowing off, what should I do?
The lid does click on, but if the box is full it can blow off. The best thing to do is weigh it down with something – perhaps your paper collection sack. The lid is not essential, so you can leave it off if you wish. The boxes have holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain out if it rains.
Q. The box is too small, what can be done about this?
If you find the box does not hold all of your recyclables just place extra items in carrier bags next to the box. Please ensure that the bags are open so that we know it is recyclables and not general rubbish. You can also ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644 and request an additional box. We are currently only able to offer one additional box on a first come first served basis.
Q. The box is too heavy for me to carry when full, can you help me out?
If you find it very difficult to carry the box to the edge of your property, please ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644 and you will be put on the Assist Lift List. This means that an operative will come up to your property to collect from where is best for you. We must point out that this service is only for those who have severe difficulty in carrying the box – such as the elderly or disabled.
Q. When is my collection day, I have not been given a calendar?
The Black Boxes are collected on the same day as your refuse wheelie bin and existing paper collection where possible. The boxes must be placed out by 7.30am and the service operates on a fortnightly basis. Please ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644 if you require another calendar.
Q. How clean do the materials need to be?
Rinse the cans and bottles before putting them into the box. There is no need for these containers to be thoroughly clean, as long as any large amounts of food residues are taken out. Please take care and avoid any sharp edges when handling the cans.
Q. Do I need to remove labels?
Labels can be removed but it doesn't matter if they aren't, as these are removed as part of the processing stage before items are recycled.
Q. What do I do if my box is stolen?
If your box is damaged or stolen through no fault of your own, we will provide a replacement free of charge. For further information please ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644.
Q. They have emptied my box but left some items, why is this?
If you put items in the boxes that are not on the ‘yes please’ list (see our Kerbside Collection page for details), the crews will not take them.
Q. What happens if I forget to put my box out for collection?
Unfortunately your box will not be emptied until the next time they are due for collection. Alternatively you can take your recyclables and waste to one of the Recycling Sites or Household Waste Recycling Centres.